N Scale Kato Unitrack vs Atlas True-Track

TrainGuy Nov 23, 2008

  1. Flash Blackman

    Flash Blackman TrainBoard Member

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    Does anyone have a picture of the Tomix track either in a layout or individual pieces?

    Is there any way that the Kato Uni. and Atlas TT track could be used together? Is there some way to transition or is it out of the question?

    Thanks.
     
  2. BOK

    BOK TrainBoard Member

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    Flash:

    I don't have a picture of the Tomix track but I have worked with the Atlas code 65 track and have layed along side Kato track to see if they would connect easily.

    As I remember (I am now at work), the Kato rail would require a few swipes of a file to even the difference between it and the lower code 65 rail and the code 65 section would need a thin shim under it to match the height of the Kato section. All in all pretty simple modifications. However placing the Kato next to the Atlas shows the glaring difference between the more realistic tie spacing of the Atlas product versus the Kato product.

    Barry
     
  3. fifer

    fifer TrainBoard Supporter Advertiser

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  4. G3

    G3 TrainBoard Member

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    I have just ordered a small lot of Tomix track to build a trolley system. The curve pieces are 5/14" radius. Although I use Unitrack for my layout, I'm tempted to buy some Tomix curved, threeway and double slip switches since Kato doesn't make them. I decide after I get my initial order.

    George
     
  5. Westfalen

    Westfalen TrainBoard Member

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  6. TetsuUma

    TetsuUma TrainBoard Member

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    You can buy Tomix Fine Track from Plaza Japan on eBay or from Hobby Search in Japan.

    http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/list/922/0/1

    I would be interested in hearing about any experiences with the Fine Track. I've been thinking about that 4" or 5.5" radius for a couple dioramas that have been ideas kicking around in my head. Who says I can't have a train at work?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 10, 2009
  7. MLPF&S

    MLPF&S New Member

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    I plan on building the Broad Horizons only I am sticking with Atlas code 80. How much larger would you suggest the board? Could you post pictures of your work in progress? Did you go with the "piers" or did you build inclines instead closing them in? I am new at this so I would appreciate any tips. Thanks much, bill
     
  8. ErnieC

    ErnieC TrainBoard Member

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    Kato Unitrack vs Atlas True-Track

    Someone asked if the True-Track turnouts were power routing, does anyone know the answer? Atlas seems to be keeping this a secret. Apparently the True-Track turnouts include motors, something less to buy. Atlas doesn't want anyone to know this either. May be I just couldn't find it on their site?
    Take Care,
    Ernie C
     
  9. BOK

    BOK TrainBoard Member

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    Atlas is not keeping anything a secret...but you do have to read information and instructions.

    All the turnouts (switches) are not power routing meaning that power flows both directions through it. If you leave a locomotive on one route with the switch against movement it will still move. You can't kill the power to a track by throwing the switch to the other track. As I understand DCC these switches work well with it.

    Another advantage of True Track switches is they are require no special track wiring other than to use them as remotes. You can always just throw them by sliding the small, hand throw, lever on the roadbed side to operate them.

    The real plus is that they are much more realistic than Kato track components with accurate smaller ties and spacing than Kato which is based on Japanese narrow gauge trackage.

    Barry
     
  10. Seated Viper

    Seated Viper TrainBoard Member

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    For and Against Unitrack

    I've just joined . . .

    I have been modelling British N for some years, using what is the normal track available here in UK: PECO. I had various problems, such as dodgy electrical contacts on pointwork, setrack curves too tight for some locos, etc. I've now changed over to Unitrack.

    Whilst it has little bearing on Atlas Vs Unitrack, I must say that on PECO Vs Unitrack there's virtually no contest. My son has no interest in railways at all, but even he says there's an obvious difference in quality. PECO do a scissors crossing at, last time I looked, about GBP55. Plus motors, plus switches, plus ballast. The Unitrack version, again last time I looked, was GBP45 including motors, including just one switch needed and including ballast.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 8, 2009
  11. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Welcome to TrainBoard!

    Boxcab E50
     
  12. Seated Viper

    Seated Viper TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you for the welcome!
     
  13. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    What has always irked me about Kato is that they could have easily beaten Atlas to the punch by simply creating a US proto version using better tie spacing. Now they've invited a very aggressive competitor to enter a market which Kato could have controlled indefinately. I cannot understand why Kato would allow this to happen... they are virtually giving-up the US market.

    I am an owner of hundreds of pieces of Unitrack; and, I doubt I will switch over to Atlas True-Track. I will monitor True-Track's progress; and, in the event I find it to be superior to Unitrack in more than just appearance... my prior statement are NOT etched in stone.

    The main reason, apart from the money already invested, is that Atlas True-Track system doesn't have the amount of track segments Unitrack presently has. That, however, is likely to change over the next few years. At that point, Kato Unitrack will likely be less desireable to most US modelers who chose track-in-roadbed systems.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 12, 2011
  14. bnsf971

    bnsf971 TrainBoard Member

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    If Atlas were to make adapter tracks for Kato/Atlas TT, they would start getting more crossover customers. Kato makes one for the regular code 80, but not the track that directly competes with them.
     
  15. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    Kato would be shooting themselves in the foot...

    Not a very likely scenario. The idea that Kato would allow their proprietary "Unijoiner" connection to facilitate a transition... AWAY... from their product would be entreprenuerial suicide.

    The adapter track Kato created was to lure regular code 80 Atlas track users TO use Unitrack... it was a very saavy idea.
     
  16. TRT2

    TRT2 TrainBoard Member

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    I've run code 80 ... forever. My skills at laying track got pretty good... certainly much better than my scenary ability, which is virtually nill.

    But I did choose to migrate to Unitrack and have been accumulating for a couple years. It is so much easier to put down and use. Power routing does not do a thing for me being of the block control era.

    but the transition to Unitrak was so large, including financially, I don't see me moving to another type anytime in the near future.

    Just last night I opened a large moving box full of Code 80 and thought 'what am I going to do with all this stuff'. However, I do plan to use code 80 in my yard, although track spacing does not concern me for I have to always get my fingers in there to uncouple or set a car back on the track.


    Now, I do notice a lot of new forum members posting here... is Unitrak the favorite of the 21st century model railroader? I think everyone should curse code 80 at least once. :)

    Oh, and I know why Atlas Code 80 does not have as many pieces... Flex Track Baby!
     
  17. CLBee

    CLBee TrainBoard Member

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    However, the adapter in question is not required to connect Atlas C80 to Unitrack. Why spend around $3 for the adapter when you can use a regular set of tweeters to remove the unijoiner and place a regular rail joiner on. C65 to Unitrack is more likely to require an adapter because of the difference in rail height.
     
  18. Westfalen

    Westfalen TrainBoard Member

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    The Kato adapter track is actually made to connect with Tomix track which is not only a direct competitor in Japan, but a better seller, though of the two I prefer Unitrack myself. The fact that it connects with Atlas C80 track is just a coincedence or afterthought, as is everything to do with Unitrack in the US market. Kato aren't going too worried about a what a few thousand potential Unitrack users in the US want when they have millions in Japan.
     
  19. dat7719

    dat7719 New Member

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    You discussed rail joiners, does Atlas have an isolated joiner as does the Kato track.
     
  20. FloridaBoy

    FloridaBoy TrainBoard Member

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    I just saw Tru Track on the shelf for the first time down here Saturday at an LHS. Heck, I had great experience with even Bachmann track, so I would expect that Atlas's offering, coming from THE track source for many years is a good product.

    I have Kato Unitrak on my layout exclusively and am very happy with it. The "clincher" is the small pieces of expandable track that enable snug fits and reliable connections without cutting the track, and if Atlas has that piece, I would heartily recommend pre-ballasted, pre-molded track any day of the week. This track can be ballasted, painted, weathered, etc to look as real as cork roadbed and flextrak.

    Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
     

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